Even for those of us who love to entertain, the guest room can be an easy target for unwanted clutter, especially when we go for a long period of time without having guests. However, the guest room can be a warm and welcoming retreat for friends and family by taking a few simple and inexpensive steps to create a cozy environment that your guests will be excited to stay in. First of all, you have to start treating your guest room as what it is - a room for your guests, not a room for your guests and your treadmill and a few boxes that never got unpacked during that last move. By removing your clutter from the room you are making a space which functions solely as a bedroom, and that is the first and most crucial step toward making the room feel inviting.

Another key factor in creating a warm and welcoming environment is wall color. Guest rooms can often be overlooked when repainting the interior of a home, but interestingly enough, the color of your guest room can be a huge factor in the comfort level of your guests. By choosing colors that are soft and warm, you can create a room that feels inviting and makes it easy to relax. Try shades of buttercream, apricot, or a light toasty brown. Notice how the wallcolor in the photo below gives the room a feeling of warmth.

Notice how the tan wall in this room adds warmth.

The best way to get a handle on creating the ultimate guest room is to make a list of some things that are factors for you when you stay in another person’s home, and try to have all of the essentials that your guests might need readily available so that they don’t have to ask. For instance, dressing your guest bed in layers makes it easy for your guests to regulate their own sleeping experience. Some people get cold easily and like a lot of blankets, but others prefer a lighter covering. For that reason, I like to have a combination of blankets available so that guests can use what works for them. I usually make the bed with a sheet set, a lightweight blanket, and a synthetic down comforter (in case of allergies!). Then, I keep an extra blanket folded at the bottom of the bed for those who need a little extra warmth. A trunk or bench at the foot of the bed that holds extra blankets would also be a nice touch. For pillows, try to stay with something hypoallergenic if you frequently have guests with allergies and stick with a medium firmness.

Another factor to consider is privacy. Depending on what a person is used to, their privacy requirements may be different than your own. It is always a good idea to have blinds or heavy drapes on the windows, even if you live in the middle of nowhere. Also, the ability to lock the bedroom and bathroom door will make some people much more comfortable.

Once you have all of the necessities covered, it is time to consider the room’s decor. Since a variety of people will be staying in this room, it is usually a good idea to keep the decor fairly neutral. I like to use bedding in solids or simple patterns that will contribute to the calming atmosphere.

Sandalwood

A few framed art prints will make the room feel much more put together. Georgia O’Keefe prints are my favorite because they seem to have a universal appeal, but any subdued art print will work beautifully. A pair of nightstands with lamps and a clock are also a good idea. If you are used to having a clock on your bedside table at home, it can be very disorienting to wake up and have no idea what time it is. A really personal touch would be to lay out magazines on the nightstand that suit your guests interests. If your father in law is visiting and likes golf, a copy of the latest Golf Digest on the nightstand will be a very touching accent.

Guest rooms can often feel stale and stuffy because they are not in use all the time. A good way to combat this is to open up the windows the day before your guests will arrive to let in some fresh air. If it is too cold outside to allow for that, light a scented candle in the room. Stay away from scents that are too heavy which might be offensive and look for a light natural scent like vanilla or lavendar. Another nice touch to freshen up the room would be a vase of cut flowers or a potted plant. A few elements that bring life into the room will make it feel even more welcoming.